How One Useless Room in Stardew Valley Solves the Game’s Most Terrifying Item

In the captivating world of Stardew Valley, every corner is imbued with purpose, whether that be in the form of secrets or the daily lives of Pelican Town’s residents. A notable exception, however, exists within Pierce’s General Store: a large, seemingly empty room known as Yoba’s chapel. This area, adorned with gold accents, stands somewhat ajar in the otherwise rustic setting, prompting the question—what’s its function?

Fortunately, with the release of update 1.6, this chapel has gained a specific function tied to a particularly elusive item in the game. This item, possessing a low drop rate, may be unfamiliar to many players, but its eerie nature contributes significantly to the darker undertones of this otherwise charming game. The chapel’s new use helps players confront one of the game’s scarier elements, allowing for a more peaceful night’s sleep.

Cursed Mannequins: The Creepiest Addition to Stardew Valley

An Item That Steals Clothes, Changes Decorations, and Spies

The introduction of Cursed Mannequins has added an unsettling edge to Stardew Valley. These peculiar entities, which appear similarly to ordinary mannequins, are accompanied by an ominous purple glow, which might catch players off guard if they are more familiar with the game’s whimsical aspects, such as the Junimos or Hat Mouse. They have a notably low drop rate, coming in at just 0.43%, and are obtained from defeating Haunted Skulls found in The Mines and the Quarry Mine.

The in-game description of Cursed Mannequins warns players, alluding to their unsettling behavior: “you can dress it up however you like. And pray that it doesn’t come to lie while you sleep…” When placed in your farmhouse, these mannequins engage in various creepy antics while the player is resting.

The activities of Cursed Mannequins can be quite unnerving. Overnight, they may swap clothes with the player, alter their home’s design by changing wallpaper and flooring, or even move around the house to different locations. If players turn around too many times, they may experience a jumpscare, while the mannequins usually remain still, peering around with their unsettling eyes.

How to Utilize the Chapel for Cleansing Cursed Mannequins

The Underused Holy Power of Yoba

For players feeling unnerved by the Cursed Mannequins’ antics, there is a way to rid them of their eerie essence. The small chapel to Yoba within Pierre’s General Store, often overlooked by players, serves this cleansing purpose. Both the Cursed Mannequins and regular Mannequins were introduced in update 1.6.

To cleanse a Cursed Mannequin, players need to place it in the chapel for one night. After retrieving it the following day, the power of Yoba will have banished its eerie possession, returning it to a non-threatening form.

Yoba’s Subtle Presence in Stardew Valley

Pelican Town May Worship the Earth Itself

Despite its subtle presence, players may find the deity known as Yoba rarely discussed. However, its symbol is omnipresent throughout the game, with the most noticeable location being the chapel at Pierre’s General Store. Notably, players first encounter Yoba’s symbol in the game’s introduction—on the wall in Grandpa’s room as he presents a letter to the player.

Yoba’s symbol is derived from an actual Anglo-Saxon rune representing “earth.” This aligns with the game’s overarching themes, emphasizing a deep respect for nature and a critique of corporate practices. While conversations about Yoba may be infrequent, references pop up throughout various items and interactions. The symbol can be spotted in numerous places across Pelican Town, including Harvey’s clinic and above Mayor Lewis’ bed, among others.

Additionally, Yoba-related items like the Ring of Yoba offer players beneficial protection during combat, indicating some villagers’ tendencies to praise Yoba, such as Robin during a moment of crisis. Both Jodi and Krobus also express their reverence for Yoba through prayers or vows of silence.

Source & Images